Skip to main content
  • Solutions for Employers

    Enhance your benefits program with a custom strategy that not only engages your employees and helps retain your talent—but also lightens the load on HR.

    How We Help
    • Strategic Partner
    • Professional Enrollment
    • Benefits Education
    • Total Benefits Solution
    • Benefits and Services
    Who We Serve
    • Education
    • Public Sector
    • Automotive
    • Manufacturing
    • Healthcare
  • Resource Library

    Explore our catalog of blog articles, educational videos, customer stories, and more.

    View All Resources

    Resource Types
    • Blog Articles
    • Videos
    • Customer Stories
    • Tools
    • Help Center
    • All Resources

    An Employer's Guide to a Successful Enrollment

    Download the free how-to guide to get your enrollment strategy on the right path. 

    Download Now
  • Help Center
  • Login
  • Strategy
  • Reimbursement Accounts
  • Supplemental Benefits
  • Customer Stories
  • Compliance
American Fidelity Logo

Your Essential FSA Shopping List

January 09, 2024

2 minute read

Category: Reimbursement Accounts

Learn more about this blog article

If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), spend your funds wisely throughout the year and keep an eye on your balance as your plan year draws to a close. When it comes to FSAs, the most important rule you’ll want to remember is “use or lose.” Any unspent money could be forfeited, which you don’t want to happen.

For many FSA plans, funds expire on December 31. However, depending on exceptions set by your employer, you may be given a 2.5 month grace period until midnight on March 15 to spend the remaining balance in your account. Your employer might instead allow a limited amount to roll over into the next year (up to $610 for plan years ending in 2023). Employers can only offer one of these options, so you’ll want to double check your employer’s guidelines. So, how does one avoid losing these valuable dollars? By consistently using them on FSA-eligible items. 

You might be surprised at what products are FSA-eligible expenses. Healthcare products—from first aid to tampons to reading glasses and breast pumps—are all eligible for purchase with your tax-free funds. Don’t let them go to waste!

What you can buy with an FSA

Below is a list of over-the-counter items and other eligible expenses for FSA funds. Purchases may result in a small commission to American Fidelity at no additional cost to you.

  • Acne light therapy
  • Athletic and orthopedic braces and supports
  • Breast pumps and accessories
  • Blood glucose monitors and testing strips
  • Blood pressure monitors
  • Condoms
  • Contact lenses and supplies
  • Denture cream and cleansers
  • Eye drops
  • First aid supplies and kits
  • Glucosamine supplements
  • Hot and cold packs
  • Incontinence products
  • Lip balm (SPF or medicated)
  • Motion sickness aids
  • Nasal spray
  • Pregnancy and fertility tests
  • Reading glasses
  • Sunscreens with SPF ratings of 15 and above
  • Thermometers
  • Vaporizers and inhalers
  • Walking aids and wheelchairs

If you have additional questions about FSAs, visit our support site.

This blog is up to date as of October 2024 and has not been updated for changes in the law, administration or current events.

Shop the FSA Store

Shop for Eligible Items on the FSA Store

You may purchase FSA-eligible items online at the FSA Store. Browse medical supplies, over-the-counter medication, prescriptions, and more.

Visit FSAStore.com

Purchases may result in a small commission to American Fidelity at no additional cost to you.

  • Tags:
  • FSA
  • HCFSA
  • LPFSA

Share:

Related Articles

What Are Dependent Care FSA-Eligible Expenses?

April 22, 2025

Dependent Care Accounts (DCAs) may help provide coverage for everyday dependent daycare expenses.

  • Tags:
  • FSA

Carryovers, Grace Periods, and Runoff Periods - What Are the Differences?

January 14, 2025

5 minute read

“Use or Lose!” – Deciphering the difference between carryover provisions, grace periods, and runoff periods

  • Tags:
  • FSA
  • HCFSA
  • LPFSA
  • DCA

Carryovers and Grace Periods: Avoid Losing Unused FSA Funds

January 09, 2025

4 minute read

While FSAs must adhere to the “use-or-lose” rule, employers may offer one of two options to help you avoid having to forfeit your unused funds.

  • Tags:
  • HCFSA
  • FSA
  • LPFSA

Our logo
  • Strategic Partner
  • For Education
  • For the Public Sector
  • For Automotive
  • For Manufacturing
  • For Healthcare
  • Professional Enrollment
  • AFenroll®
  • Benefits Education
  • Total Benefits Solution
  • Culture and Engagement
  • Benefits and Services
  • Resource Library
  • Blog
  • Customer Stories
  • Tools
  • Help Center
  • Forms
  • AFmobile® App

Contact Us

Careers

  • About Us
  • Annual Report
  • Community Giving
  • News Center
  • facebook
  • Youtube
  • linked-in

© 2025 American Fidelity Assurance Company

  • Privacy Notices |
  • Report Fraud |
  • Terms of Service |
  • Licensing |
  • Special Notices |
  • Accessibility |
  • Cameron Enterprises

AF-2868-1023